“One of the best things has been learning how to trap, gut and skin possums because I can now sell the furs and can make money and be financially independent. I’ll also be able to use those skills on my own land.”

The tutors really get us immersed in the outdoors. I’m amazed at how many field trips we have – to places like the Poor Knights and Tiritiri Matangi. There are also a ton of opportunities to get involved in the industry as our tutors have a lot of c…

I just love this whole place. I love the people. I love the spirit. It’s very different from anything I’m used to. I love that we do theory and practical together. It’s great to have access to workshops with such a full range of quality modern machi…

I love the new things I’m learning and like how the course is laid out. It’s a mix of class study, online study, and practical time in the hospital, and the tutors work around you – not the other way round.

I love this type of learning where there is plenty of opportunity for questions, time-out to discuss what presents, and a family feel within our class. We are developing close and real friendships and I am a lot more open.

The flexibility of this course is really refreshing. We cover all the core subjects like composting, soils, weather, water management, propagation, and harvesting, but the tutor is open to side-line opportunities that present.

Already this course is inspiring my vision of what I can create. The colour, form, and complexity that is coming out is intense and surprising. I’m really on a journey and I’m opening up to painting, and sculpture, and clay.

“This course will change my life. I want to live on the land, get paid for what I love doing, and go farming with my best friend. We are each good at different things. But first I’ll get a job and get some experience.”

I’m surprised how motivated I am to get up and go to work now. We do practical painting work out in the community as part of this course and I love seeing other people’s houses and meeting other trades-people.